Sam’s Birthday Party

On September 17, we threw a major birthday party for Sam. In many ways, this was less of a birthday party and more of a celebration of all the people that helped us get to this milestone. I think we invited the entire NICU and almost all our friends and family. In all about 80 people came out to celebrate Sam … and indulge in some Fenton’s ice cream. For those that were not able to make it, here are a bunch of photos from the event.

That’s right… Sam is ONE!

I made a collage of items from Sam’s first few days to help people understand his size at birth. This is his an example of his first diaper along with a picture of him the day he was born.

Yayo

Martha meets Sam for the first time. For those that do not know Martha, I call her my Chinese mom. She has been a part of our family since I was born. She is one in a million!

Martha and Dick Yoshizaki with Sam

Marlene, part of my family from Chile, was here by luck to celebrate with us on Sam’s Birthday.

Doug Young and Sam. Doug is a college of my dad’s. He was a great support for my dad- which in turn allowed my dad to be a great support to me!

Sam, me and Wendy B. Wendy is a very close family friend that has been a part of my life since I was born. Some of these wonderful pictures are hers.

Wendy B and Sam

Marlene, Fernando, Angela and Steve. Angela and Steve were the first people to meet Sam (other than people who were there at his birth). They are such warm and loving people. Their visit that first day after Sam was born was a total boost to my emotional system.

Sam and Daniel – Steve and Angela’s oldest son

Sam- in Rosa’s arms. Rosa is my daughter from another mother you could say. This summer would have been so much harder if it were not for Rosa’s help. i love her like a daughter.

Mommy and her superhero

Irene, Sasha and Cousin Abby

Irene, Sasha and Abby

Irene and Sasha

Marlene, Sam and Nurse JoAnn – JoAnn was with us on one of Sam’s worst days and her calm demeanor got me through it.

Nurse/Auntie Laura getting the greeting she deserves

More love for Nurse/Auntie Laura

rene, Abby and Mia

Stephanie Ross and Miss – There are no words to describe how much I lover Stephanie. She was with me when Sam was born, and she was beside me every step of the way till now. I am luck to call her my sister.

Elisa and Bennett – anyone who has read this blog knows what I think about these two. Both are my hero’s and I am so blessed to have them in my life to inspire me and keep me honest.

Alex and Bennett

Michael, Elisa, Bennett, and Nurse Gay. Michael is and was my partner/cohort in crime at work. His support was unwavering from the time I was pregnant to this day. Nurse Gay was one of Sam’s primary nurses. She was the most loving and supportive woman – who helped me in so many ways.

Nurse Gay and flying Sam

Nurse Gay and Sam

Susan and Sam. Susan is an old friend how texted/emailed me almost daily while Sam was in the hospital. Such a support. I love the look on her face. Says it all.

Kawika and me – Kawika was one of the first people we called when we arrive in the hospital. He is an experienced preemie parent, and his advice was life saving. Literally.s

Jenny, Kawika, Sloan, Peter, Me and Sam

Jenny, Sloan and Sam

Mia – Elisa’s daughter – with not a care in the world

Irene and Mia

Laura and Rosa

Lisa Harter – Hard to believe I have known her my entire life- and thank god for that!

Chris and Lisa. I will never be able to say all I need to say about Chris. She is a one in a million type friend. I am so blessed to have met her and to call her my friend.

Lupita and Sam – Lupita is my savior. She has been a part of our lives since Irene was 9 months old. Honestly, I would love to spend a day in her care.

The Cake

A kiss from Daddy

Sam, Mia and Irene and the Cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

Sam and his cake

The Fenton’s anticipation

The Fenton’s anticipation

The Fenton’s anticipation

The Fenton’s anticipation

Sam in his Fenton’s hat

Sam and his Fenton’s hat

Makes me drool just looking at it

Tutu celebrating in style… Fenton’s style

Irene with her custom made Black and Tan

Fernando and Marlene. What I love about these two is they left the party, got all their luggage, then came back for ice cream before leaving for the airport.